Pagdin's Pick Number Seven: Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral. Did you know it is the most common mineral in the body next to iron? It helps to stimulate the activity of over 100 different enzymes. Zinc is critical for:

• healthy growth in childhood
• learning and memory
• wound healing
• proper insulin and thyroid function
• healthy immune system
• preventing macular degeneration

In addition, zinc is one of the only substances that has evidence to suggest it helps fight the common cold! That’s right: a supplement of 50-75 mg daily when you first get sick with a cold can get you better 1 to 2 days days quicker1.

Zinc also has antioxidant properties, which means it helps to protect the body from “free radicals” which are a harmful byproduct of normal metabolism. You don’t need a large amount of zinc. It is found in beans, nuts, fish and seafood, animal meats, dairy, and whole grain cereals. The recommended daily allowance for adults is just 10mg. Supplementing with zinc can reduce the amount of copper your body absorbs, so high doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency. It is recommended we take 1-2 mg of copper for every 10 mg of zinc.

One more important role for zinc is inhibiting the enzyme called “5-alpha-reductase” which converts testosterone to dihydro-testosterone (or DHT). We know that DHT contributes to hair loss and can increase the size of the prostate gland. A daily supplement of zinc is an especially good idea for men who are taking testosterone replacement therapy.

As usual, you can find a bottle of “Pagdin’s Picks” at any of the following outlets:

• Prescription Health Studio (540 West Ave, just off Pandosy)
• Medicine Shoppe (3957 Lakeshore Road)
• Lakeside Medicine Centre (Gordon at Guisachan)
• Abaco Health (Gordon at Cook Rd)
• Nolan’s Pharmasave (Vernon)
• Summerland Pharmasave

Stop by the display and enter to win a three-month supply of zinc!

Your partner in Living Longer Better,

Dr. Grant Pagdin, MD

Sources

1. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769